If you’re anything like I am, you need a certain amount of background noise to keep your mind from wandering away at the most inconvenient moments. However, turning on the latest TV binge, a favorite movie, a podcast, or an audiobook can often be more distracting than the silence- especially if you’re trying to write.
That’s why I like to use music!
Music can be the perfect mix of distraction, inspiration, and focus, and it can open the creativity floodgates of your mind! However, some music is more conducive to writing than others, so here’s a list of my favorite musical genres to listen to while writing!
(As a side note, all of my links will go to Spotify. However, you can find these genres wherever you get your musical fix!)
Instrumental Music
I like Instrumental music for its versatility! Every genre has an instrumental section, and you can go classic or modern and always have something on hand that suits your writing mood.
Trying to write a historical novel? Throw on some Mozart, Beethoven, or Chopin. Creating a fantasy world full of dangers? Try Lindsey Stirling, Apocalyptica, or Nox Arcana.
Whatever you’re working on, finding some instrumental music (with little to no lyrics) is sure to help you focus your mind, inspire creativity, and let the words fly!
Dubstep
Like instrumental music, Dubstep offers a unique musical experience for your headphones. Found in clubs all over by the mid-2000s, Dubstep is known for its heavy bassline and sparse, syncopated rhythm. Combine that with sparse lyrics, and dubstep is perfect for keeping you energized, motivated, and ready to take on the world!
If you’d like to try Dubstep but aren’t sure where to start, check out the playlist Bass Nation on Spotify! Who knows- you might find someone you like!
Video Game Music
When developers add music to their games, they pick the soundtracks that keep you engaged with the scenario, focused on the tasks, and ready to immerse yourself in whatever world they’ve created. In other words, Video Game Music helps you concentrate.
While that’s a good perk in and of itself, we shouldn’t overlook the emotional value of video game music. If video games were your escape growing up, then the music you listen to can remind you of memories, produce strong feelings, and offer inspiration based on experience. And these elements are all perfect for the writing process!
Musical Soundtracks
If you like powerful music with inspiring (or fun) lyrics, then find the soundtrack to your favorite musical! Musical soundtracks offer familiarity, and they’re easy to listen to and sing with if you already know the story. Plus, some musicals (like Les Miserables or Phantom of the Opera) can inspire you with complex characters, incredible songs, and just enough comedy to keep you coming back for more.
Music is one of my favorite ways to stay focused on my writing, and I hope my suggestions can help you as well! However, not all writers are the same, and these genres may not work for you. If that’s the case, I want to encourage you to play around with your favorite genres until you find something that fits!
Then, comment and let me know what you found! I’m always looking for new artists to add to my collection.
Erynn Crittenden 